As for Castleman, he will arrive in Stillwater with a reputation for explosiveness that in high school helped him shed blockers while creating havoc in opposing backfields.

“His explosive first three steps, especially his first step, I think that's what gives him an advantage,” Maxfield said.

Castleman, who de-committed from Texas Tech to commit to the Pokes on Jan. 25, was a dominating force for Amarillo earning All-State honors twice in his career. Maxfield's words reveal the best-case scenario for Castleman's future in an OSU uniform.

“He played nose tackle for us, which entailed him being triple teamed,” Maxfield said. “He's such a team-first guy he didn't have gaudy stats but he freed up our other players to make a lot of plays.”

If Castleman can become an interior force for the Cowboys that requires double teams, he could make a big difference on the defensive line — and a big impact on the defense's overall success — during his OSU career.

“I think he has more room (to grow),” Maxfield said. “I don't think he's flattened out (peaked) in any form or fashion.”